Turkish National Costume

Posted by admin on Aug 21, 2012 in European | 0 comments

Today the Turkish national costume tends only to be worn for on special occasions. Normally traditional Turkish folk dance groups wear it when special ceremonial events are taking place in the country or.

Over the centuries the costume that we have come to know has changed quite somewhat although very slowly. However even today the costumes worn do vary from one part of the country to another very slightly. Although worn as decoration today previously the costume helped to indicate which tribe or village group a person was from.

As you will see when you look at the Turkish national costume today it still exhibits many of the features of the original ones. Also the costume has been greatly influenced by the clothes worn by the people of Central Asia and the Middle East who governed the country for many centuries.

So what does the Turkish National Costume look like?

Traditionally this costume comprises many different garments within it and will be made from either wool, cotton or silk all of which are indigenous to the country. The reason that they will wear several different layers of clothing as part of the costume as it helps them to adjust the outfit according to the kind of weather when being worn. Also it provides them with places where small items such as coins can be held.

Of course even though several layers are often worn you can see each one through the way in which the each garment has been cut.

The most common types of garments to be worn as part of the Turkish national costume are as follows:

1.  Salvar – Although these are a pair of very baggy trousers they do look very similar to a skirt as they are sewn from the knees down to the ankles. Generally they will be black in color, however the women sometimes prefer to wear ones that are more colourful and normally have flowers on them.

2.  Gomlek – This is a shirt or blouse worn by the people of Turkey and is usually made from silk or cotton because both help to wick away moisture from the body.

3.  Ucetek – A very important part of the Turkish national costume this is a three skirted cloak and will like other elements of the outfit be very elaborately decorated. However in some parts of Turkey they may wear a waist length jacket or sleeveless vest instead. Plus in place of this garment the women may wear an apron.

4.  Sal Kusak – It is this belt or girdle that helps to hold all the layers being worn together. It is one large piece of material that is first folded before being wrapped around the wearer’s waist several times before being tied at the side.

One thing to note is that when people are wearing the Turkish national costume as much of the body is covered as possible. For the men however it is acceptable for the head, face and neck to remain exposed.